Japan gives Canada $1 million to help with debris

FILE -In this file photo from Wednesday, June 6, 2012, a man looks at a 70-foot-long dock with Japanese lettering that washed ashore on Agate Beach in Newport, Ore. The West Coast is anticipating more debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami to wash ashore this winter. Scientists expect the bulk of the tsunami debris to end up in the Pacific Northwest. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Members of the Washington tsunami debris experts team inspect a dock Friday Dec. 21, 2012 that apparently floated from Japan after last year's tsunami and just washed ashore on a Washington beach near Forks Tuesday. (AP Photo/National Park Service)

A member of the Washington tsunami debris experts team stands on a dock Friday Dec. 21, 2012 that apparently floated from Japan after last year's tsunami and just washed ashore on a Washington beach near Forks Tuesday. (AP Photo/Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife)

Members of the Washington tsunami debris experts team inspect a dock Friday Dec. 21, 2012 that apparently floated from Japan after last year's tsunami and just washed ashore on a Washington beach near Forks Tuesday. (AP Photo/Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife)

In this photo taken Wednesday June 20, 2012, David Kosmecki, left, talks to Idaho State Police Trooper Justin Klitch in Fruitland, Idaho. Kosmecki was stopped and charged with possession of marijuana after leaving Oregon. As the Evergreen state works out the various complications of its new law, including the fact that marijuana is still illegal under federal law, neighbors of Washington are watching with curiosity, and perhaps some apprehension. Idaho officials already have their hands full with Idahoans obtaining medical marijuana cards out of state. The Gem State borders three medical marijuana states, a reality that has caused medical marijuana arrests to outpace those of traffickers or other users. Although Idaho is a largely conservative state, there are pockets defined by borders and demographics that could create new challenges for law enforcement. (AP Photo/Nigel Duara)

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Japan is giving Canada $1 million to assist in the cleanup of debris that has landed on the Pacific coast province of British Columbia from the 2011 tsunami.

Japan's Vancouver Consul General Seiji Okada said California, Oregon and Washington state each are being given $1 million as well.

Canadian officials estimate up to 1.5 million metric tons of tsunami debris could reach western shores.

Okada says the funds are in recognition of Canada's support in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami. He says Canadians donated millions to aid Japan.

British Columbia Environment Minister Terry Lake says about half a million dollars has been spent on cleanup so far, but Lake says the volume of debris is not as much as once feared.